354 STATE HORTICULTURAL SOCIETY. 



community to secure a larger measure of benefit to be derived from au interest 

 in the art which gives us a name; and not one whom we can induce to touch 

 with his own hand, and assist in unfolding the treasures hidden in mother earth, 

 which a knowledge of horticulture can point out, will ever lay up against us 

 any grudge for showing him the way. 



I never was very much taken with the story of Jacob wrestling with the angel 

 of God, possibly because my education in athletic sports was sadly neglected 

 in my youth ; but I often recall with the keenest pleasure that part of the narrative 

 in which a ladder reaching to high heaven was a leading factor, and I have 

 wondered that more people in their visions could not catch a glimpse of the 

 lower rounds, at least, and climb towards that goal of happiness. It they could 

 but appreciate that the ladder still stands with its base in their own homes to- 

 day, and that each added attraction that binds hearts together there, is one 

 round climbed, would they ask, " What is there in a horticultural society to 

 interest me?" Shall we let our work flag? Aren't the results we mav accom- 

 plish worth the effort for maintenance and growth? 



The call for a discussion of the paper resulted in a series of remarks to the 

 effect that the paper comprehensively covered the ground, and nothing could 

 be added. 



The following paper, by A. A. Crozier, formed a part of the proceedings of 

 the meeting this month: 



TREES FOR CITY RESIDENCES. 



In these brief notes I shall only attempt a few hints on the use of our native 

 forest trees along the streets and about the residences of our city. To give 

 a list of desirable kinds would be of little use, except in particular cases where 

 all the conditions were known, for all kinds are beautiful and equally interest- 

 ing in their proper place. When a boy I used to set trees in Grand Rapids 

 brought from my father's farm, and now I can hardly pass a residence without 

 noting the condition of the trees around the house and along the street and 

 thinking what additional ones would be desirable and the chances for making 

 a sale. I found, however, that usually the more trees there were on the prem- 

 ises the better the chances for selling more, even if there were far too many 

 trees there already. 



A house on a city lot is not exactly my ideal of a home, and I judge it is not 

 of a large number of those living in cities from their desire to surround them- 

 selves with trees, shrubs, vines and flowers beyond what their space permits. 

 Many otherwise fine grounds are spoiled by the passion of the owner for bring- 

 ing to them everything beautiful which he may see elsewhere. If possible, I 

 suppose such an one would try to make room for a small-sized rainbow in one 

 corner of the ground and perhaps an unusually fine specimen of aurora borealis 

 in another, instead of being content to enjoy them in common with all other 

 people, where nature has placed them. City dwellings are usually more beau- 

 tiful in themselves than those in the country and should not be as much hidden 

 by trees or covered with vines. 



The usual practice of having a row of trees along the street in front of the 

 house, though to be commended, adds more to the appearance of the street 

 than of the place. Large trees should seldom be placed in front of the house, 

 but rather at the sides and a little to the rear. The space in front should be 

 reserved for a lawn, with perhaps a few low, flowering shrubs or evergreens and 



